DIEPPE, NB. — The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) was advised last week that effective Feb. 12 Marine Atlantic Inc. will be raising their rates for commercial vehicles by 4 percent and the drop trailer management fee will increase by $50.

Additonally, a charge of $3.50 will be added on every load as a security fee to "recoup" some of the costs associated with security initiatives such as inspections, personnel and infrastructure.

“We are not pleased at all with these increases,” said APTA executive director Jean-Marc Picard.

While Picard said that the APTA half anticipated the 4 percent hike on all traffic as it is based on Newfoundland’s CPI increase, the $50 increase on all drop trailers represents a hefty 24 percent increase.

"I can’t imagine how a carrier will be able to absorb this increase or pass it on to their customers without repercussions," Picard said.

“This will have a devastating impact on our industry, our ability to stay competitive in that market," said Picard of the hike, which Marine Atlantic says are necessary to offset their own operating cost increases. "[The hike] will likely result in loss of business for some carriers as customers will look to other sources to bring in supplies."

“If Marine Atlantic’s operating cost for Drop trailer increased 24 percent, they have some serious operating deficiencies. It is absolutely unacceptable."

APTA’s Marine Committee is slated to meet with Marine Atlantic in the next couple of weeks to express there concerns and discontent with the rate increases. The Federal government will also receive notice of APTA’s concerns.

Picard said that the APTA values the relationship that has been built with Marine Atlantic and considers them partners in the industry, but "we strongly feel that these increases are unacceptable and should be revised for the sake of the economy in Atlantic Canada."